Is It PCOS or Is It Menopause?

For women in midlife, irregular or absent cycles can be part of perimenopause — but they can also be a sign of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS). Because both can cause skipped periods, it’s easy for women with PCOS to assume they’re entering menopause when they’re not.

What is PCOS?

PCOS is a hormonal condition where the ovaries produce higher-than-normal amounts of androgens (male hormones). This can disrupt regular ovulation and cause a range of symptoms that vary from person to person.

Why PCOS Happens

The exact cause isn’t fully understood, but PCOS often involves:

• Insulin resistance — making it harder for the body to regulate blood sugar

• Hormone imbalance — higher androgens disrupt ovulation

• Genetics — PCOS often runs in families 

Why the Confusion?

PCOS often leads to infrequent ovulation, which causes unpredictable or missed periods — a pattern that’s also common in perimenopause. The difference? With PCOS, your ovaries may still have years of egg production ahead, and hormone patterns differ from the menopausal transition.

Why It Matters

Understanding the cause of your irregular cycles can help you:

   •   Get the right lab tests to confirm hormone status

   •   Avoid assuming fertility is over when it’s not

   •   Manage metabolic health, which is important in both PCOS and midlife

At femcare.org, we help women in midlife sort through the hormonal puzzle so they can take charge of their reproductive and overall health. If you’re unsure whether your symptoms point to menopause or PCOS, let’s talk.

Check back this Friday for Fertility Friday, when we’ll discuss how PCOS affects infertility — and what you can do about it.

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